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Family Discovery & Walking Holiday In Thailand

This active trip is designed to combine a taste of traditional local life with a jungle trek. Staying in bamboo stilt-houses, home to northern Thailand's hilltribes, we have the fantastic opportunity to experience their unique customs. Join us on a river cruise and ride elephants through the Thai countryside. Finally we swim in the sparkling waters off a tropical island and discover vibrant Bangkok.

Itinerary

1

Join tour Bangkok with optional cruise along the city's Klongs

Arrive in Bangkok and check-in at your hotel. The rest of the day is free. You may choose to take an optional cruise along the city's Klongs in a traditional longtail boat. This is the ideal way to explore Bangkok's network of meandering waterways that branch off from the main channel of the Chao Phraya River. Traditional houses back on to the water which provide some insight into local life. Keep a look out for monitor lizards and there is a fun opportunity to feed the many fish which reside here.

Overnight: Comfortable HotelSwimming Pool Available

Included Meals:
None

2

Tour of Bangkok including the Grand Palace and Wat Po Temple

After a leisurely breakfast our sightseeing tour begins by tuk-tuk. A fun way to get around the city, the tuk-tuk is a firm favourite with kids and a great way to experience Bangkok. After a short drive, we arrive at the Grand Palace. The sheer scale and vibrant colours can't fail to impress as we learn about the Thai Royal Family before walking on to Wat Po - the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. After spending some time here we return to the hotel for some relaxation. In the evening you may like to have dinner on a floating restaurant before visiting the vibrant night market in Khao San Road.

Overnight: Comfortable HotelSwimming Pool Available

Included Meals:
Breakfast

3

Free day in Bangkok; overnight train to Chiang Mai

The day has been left free to allow time for personal exploration or relaxation. Should you wish to take in more sights of the city a short walk from the hotel takes you to the water taxi's, a fast and fun way to experience Bangkok and its riverlife. A few stops will bring you to Jim Thompson's House, a beautiful teak building holding a stunning collection of antiques and fabrics. A short guided tour takes you through his life and significance to the capital after World War II. Following a visit here, why not take the sky train to Chao Phraya River where a further boat journey will transport you to Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn). Alternatively if you missed the long tail boat ride on day 1 there is the opportunity to do this instead.

After freshening up back at the hotel (several day rooms are provided) we arrive at Bangkok railway station where we board our air conditioned overnight sleeper train to Chiang Mai. The train has around 40 seats in each carriage with an upper and bottom 'bunk' style beds with bedding provided (it is possible to recharge phones on board). It may be worth taking ear plugs as the train can be noisy and also eye masks as the carriages remain lit throughout the night. There are both Thai and European toilets on board as well as the ability to order meals and drinks (paid for locally).

Overnight: Basic Overnight Train

Included Meals:
Breakfast

4

Arrive Chiang Mai; visit Doi Suthep Temple

In contrast with the heat and bustle of Bangkok, the climate in Chiang Mai comes as quite a relief. The town is situated in a high valley at the foot of the majestic Doi Suthep Mountain. Founded in the 13th century, Chiang Mai is a city with a rich, colourful and turbulent history. As capital of the Lanna (Million Rice Fields) Kingdom, this area remained outside the rule of Bangkok until well into the 20th century. Upon arrival we take breakfast in our hotel before driving to the famous Doi Suthep Temple, where we learn that the location of the temple was chosen by... an elephant! The king's favourite white elephant was left to wander with a Buddha relic strapped onto its back - the monarch having decided that where the elephant stopped, a temple would be built. We then return for an orientation walk of the town including various markets. In preparation for our hilltribe trek, there will be a short briefing from your tour leader tonight.

Overnight: Comfortable HotelSwimming Pool Available

Included Meals:
None

5

Drive to Pai; start Hilltribe trek to Red Lahu Village

Leaving Chiang Mai we head into the northern hills to spend the next three days exploring the area of the hilltribes where colourful tribes people inhabit the mountain slopes above an altitude of 300m. There are numerous individual tribes, each with its own particular beliefs, way of life and colour of dress. Our 4 hour morning transfer is punctuated with several stops including a tea making cafe where we watch the grinding of the leaves and can sample different flavours. We continue on and have lunch in the small town of Pai before driving to the start point of our trek. Here we are met by jeeps which take our overnight bags to the village, we just carry our day bag during the walk. Our trekking journey begins in the afternoon when we hike to a Red Lahu Village (approx 3 hrs walking), where we spend the night. The walk takes us through beautiful open scenery and we regularly stop to look at the flora and fauna or watch the locals at work in the fields. The pathway is clearly defined as we climb and descend three hills. Our Tour Leader carves bamboo walking sticks for everyone, these prove a real asset particularly with the uphills and river crossings. Once we arrive at the village we are taken to our sleeping quarters. The group is housed communally in one room with another room for cooking and eating. Foam mattresses, pillows, sleeping bags and mosquito nets are provided. After dinner we are greeted by traditionally dressed local children who sing several songs and then expect us to sing in return! It is a nice gesture to offer them sweets or small toys which you may have picked up in the markets of Chiang Mai. After a satisfying dinner, the ladies of the village provide a wonderfully soothing massage on tired muscles and help us drop off to sleep.

Overnight: Basic Village House

Included Meals:
Breakfast, Dinner

6

Trek to White Karen Village via Tham Yao Cave

This morning we have time for a quick tour of the village before heading out on our days trek. The scenery today is less open and feels more wooded and shady. A welcome relief from the hot sun. There are numerous streams to cross and stepping stones to navigate. We may come across water buffalo on our journey and a picnic lunch of sandwiches and fresh fruit is provided by our crew. Firstly however they must make the table! This they do by cutting down bamboo, a very versatile material which serves as both a table top and legs. This afternoon our walk brings us to Tham Yao Cave. A vast and pristine cave system which provides a home to hundreds of bats. Our second village is a little less basic than the previous night; a local shop in the village selling ice creams is a very welcome sight after our days walk. Again we are all accommodated in one village house but we are split between several communal rooms here with bedding as described above. There is a basic bucket shower and several toilets and also the opportunity to charge phones/cameras.

Overnight: Basic Village House

Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

7

Morning trek through river before transferring to Mae Hong Son

Our final morning of trekking is a little more relaxed as the majority of the route takes us along the river. Splashing though the water and skimming stones on the river is a perfect end to our trekking adventure. After a couple of hours walking, we arrive at our third and final village. A celebratory cold drink is much deserved as we finish this element of the adventure and bid farewell to our trekking crew. We board our bus and drive on to our lunch stop before continuing to Mae Hong Son. Although over half the population of Mae Hong Son are from the various hilltribes, the town's location gives it a distinctly Burmese feel. It was only linked to the outside world by a paved road in the late 1960's. Our hotel is located in a tranquil setting next to the river and surrounded by mountains. The rest of the day is free to relax by the hotel pool.

Overnight: Comfortable Hotel

Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch

8

Elephant ride through the forest and boat trip on River Pai

This morning we have a short transfer to our elephant camp where we will ride these amazing animals through the forest and along small streams (approx 1 hr). Depending on the group size and number of elephants we may split the group and whilst one takes the elephant ride, the other visits Mae Hong Son Temple which sits high above the town offering expansive views of the surrounding area. Once the group is reunited, we then take a boat ride along the scenic River Pai. Similar in design to the long tail boats in Bangkok, they travel down the river giving the opportunity to spot colourful birdlife along the way and watch local people doing their daily chores. The afternoon is free for more walks, cycling, a mud spa or you may choose to relax and enjoy the facilities of the hotel.

Overnight: Comfortable Hotel

Included Meals:
Breakfast

9

Return to Chiang Mai with optional Thai Cookery class

Today we return to Chiang Mai, the scenic bus journey will take around five hours including several stops plus lunch. Your main luggage will be waiting for you back at the hotel and the rest of the day is free. Later this afternoon we offer an optional Thai cookery class. You will meet your chef in the local market where he will explain and purchase the necessary ingredients, before being transferred to his kitchen (approx 30 mins). This is a stunning open air building which houses countless cooking stations. Everyone is encouraged to cook independently with children and parents working alongside each other. Each dish is demonstrated, before you then have a go yourself and whatever you produce is your dinner for the evening. The setting is stunning and provides a lovely cool environment. After dinner you are returned either back to the hotel or to Chiang Mai night market for a bit of bartering.

Overnight: Comfortable HotelSwimming Pool Available

Included Meals:
Breakfast

10

This morning we head out to the Lampang Elephant Sanctuary. Established in 1969, it is the largest elephant conservation centre in the country and also hosts an elephant nursery and hospital caring for sick and abandoned elephants. It's main functions are for the treatment and care of elephants although visitors and tourists are now admitted. We will watch their morning bathing ritual before they embark upon carrying logs, playing with balls and even painting! There is also the option to get your hands dirty and make some 'elephant paper', using a truly recyclable material - elephant dung!? The centre is home to over 100 elephants and is only open to visitors in the morning. In the afternoon the gates are opened and the elephants are free to wander back into the jungle. The fact that they choose to return the following morning is a testament to the incredible care that the centre provides. After returning to Chiang Mai, we prepare for our overnight sleeper train back to Bangkok.

Overnight: Basic Overnight Train

Included Meals:
Breakfast

11

Morning drive and ferry to Koh Samet with the afternoon on the beach

Our train arrives in the early morning into Bangkok where we are met and continue by minibus (3-4hrs driving) to Ban Phe port for the ferry to Koh Samet. We should arrive on the island around lunch time with the afternoon free to relax. The hotel has several pools and is located right on the beach front.

Overnight: Standard Hotel

Included Meals:
None

12

On Koh Samet, a tropical paradise

Only 6 km in length, Koh Samet is home to some of the best beaches in Thailand. White sands contrast vividly with the clear blue sea that laps the tree-lined shores of this idyllic island. Up until the 1980's Ko Samet was home to a small community of fishermen when the island then became a designated national park. The island still retains some of its original charm which you can experience for yourself over the two days that we are based upon the island. Relax and enjoy this tropical paradise, with the opportunity to do as much, or as little as you want.

Overnight: Standard Hotel

Included Meals:
Breakfast

13

On Koh Samet with optional boat trip or watersports

Today is left free to explore/relax. You may just decide to enjoy the pristine beach, cooling down with a swim in the clear waters of the Gulf of Thailand. Alternatively you can take an optional boat trip to one of the nearby uninhabited islands. Watersports and snorkelling can all be arranged locally. The Queen Turtle Conservation Project is also a possible optional visit. Evenings can be spent in the beach front restaurants which are within close proximity to our hotel and specialise in freshly caught seafood dishes.

Overnight: Standard Hotel

Included Meals:
Breakfast

14

Return to Bangkok

After a final morning on Koh Samet, we head back to Bangkok.

Overnight: Comfortable HotelSwimming Pool Available

Included Meals:
Breakfast

15

In Bangkok. Tour ends

Tour ends after breakfast. If you have time you may wish to wander through Chinatown for a different flavour of the city.

Tour notes

Each departure date has it's own dedicated tour note, detailing all you need to know about that tour. Whether you've already booked, or weighing up your options, please choose carefully the relevant itinerary for you.

We have the following different versions of the Family Thai Hilltribe Adventure tour available at present.

Why Book this tour

This tour allows families who are interested in walking and also meeting the local population to experience a homestay and trek to some of the most colourful ethnic minority villages in Thailand. This is combined with time in the capital and the ancient city of Chiang Mai along with a few days on the beach to rest after your adventure. A classic Explore tour with a range of accommodation and transport options and discovering the less visited parts of the country.